What’s the most positive amazing/unexpected thing you saw/did/had happen this year?

[Lord Manhammer]

Oh, well, I like the car, but it's just something I bought. I also bought a new roof. And a new fence. Really, I just spent a ton of money this year! That's what I tend to remember.

So did I. We got a golden retriever puppy right before Xmas 2022 and whoa! I was not prepared for the litany of vet bills that come with a puppy. She’s wicked expensive and at this point, I can call her an investment, but damn she’s cute and a real sweetie. I guess I can say she was the highlight of my 2023.

 

[Sanchez]

We purchased an apartment in Bologna Italy in October. Our son is living there while in graduate school and our plan (hopefully) is to make it there 3-4 times per year for a few weeks at a time. We leave tomorrow for a brief 10 days.

I can remote work for short periods. We will test the waters for retirement as I am in process for citizenship.

Growing up as I did, this is something I never considered possible.

 

[marthachick]

Our son and his wife are expecting our second grandson in 2024. We are so excited!

 

[Kittyblue]

I've had some amazing trips this year. Mount Hood, Queen Mary, Oregon coast, Vegas/NHRA. Orcas Island, California centra lcoast.

 

[tcufrog]

So did I. We got a golden retriever puppy right before Xmas 2022 and whoa! I was not prepared for the litany of vet bills that come with a puppy. She’s wicked expensive and at this point, I can call her an investment, but damn she’s cute and a real sweetie. I guess I can say she was the highlight of my 2023.

You can't post about a cute puppy without posting a photo.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I'd love to learn more about the camp. My high school junior is interested in exploring STEM in college and is trying to narrow down his options.

Me as well. My DIL is a chemical engineer/executive. She gives energetic and encouraging talks to middle school kids about her life and career path.

Our son is a dPT and also gives talks mostly at the graduate level but he may have other talks already established. He mentors physical therapy students on a regular basis at his hospital.

If you want to PM me I can pass along info to them. They will be here in NH in a couple days. It is so important to get this next generation interested in STEM!

 

[cedricandsophie]

We did the transpacific cruise from Honolulu to Sydney and then 6 nights in New Zealand. I knew it would be fabulous but not as incredible as it really was. Everything beat expectation…the cruise, the ports. Sydney and then the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand. It was a memory I will never forget.

 

[nycdisneygal]

had a dream come true trip to japan. Otherwise mostly ok year with some downs here towards the end. Just really grateful for good health above all (though i have some new health challenges which are a nuisance but thankfully not serious).

 

[MICKIMINI]

I had a great week in July working with 80 amazing high school students (including my daughter) and young professionals at a STEM camp held at the US Air Force Academy. The days were very long but also very fun, and it was just such a rewarding experience. I’ll be running my own camp next summer, so it was also good training.

Thanks so much for sharing your info! What wonderful opportunities for young people. I will pass along!

 

[Lord Manhammer]

You can't post about a cute puppy without posting a photo.

Touché.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Touché.View attachment 819900

Oh my gosh, soooo cute!!

 

[PollyannaMom]

My highlight wasn't unexpected for me, but it was for my Dad - DS and I surprised him by flying down to Florida for his 80th birthday party. It was the best day!

 

[maxaroni]

Saying goodbye to 2023. this has not been a good year for our family.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Touché.View attachment 819900

I am IN LOVE with your puppy!

 

[tcufrog]

Saying goodbye to 2023. this has not been a good year for our family.

I hope 2024 is better

I think every thread should include cute puppies.

 

[disneyseniors]

My daughter and I went on a girl trip to Universal this year. It was a fun filled and memory making trip for us.
Hopefully, we can do this again

 

[Micca]

We spent 10 days in Italy, plenty of amazing sights there!

 

[nw6675]

Does unexpected cancer dx count? BUT all is good and much to be thankful for

 

[nw6675]

We spent 10 days in Italy, plenty of amazing sights there!

Show off!

 

[slo]

First…..Prayers and hugs for all of you that had a rough 2023 . I’ll keep everyone in my prayers for a better 2024

For us….,2023 had some difficult times and some joyous times. The unexpected is my DH lost his job at the end of November - he never saw it coming. The even more unexpected is with lots of faith and prayers my DH kept his chin up, never stopped one day with looking for a new job and thanks be to God was offered a new job last Thursday. He signed the papers this week, took the physical and is good to start January 2nd. I am so proud of him and despite the stresses of all this, we stayed strong as a couple and without spending any extra money we have had a lovely and memorable Christmas season.

Now we move onto to 2024 and pray that this new job is better than the last, my DD20 stays healthy and injury free (we had scares with her in 2023) and that she has a fantastic season (sophmore in college).

Hugs to everyone